Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of white wine for a comforting, flavorful main dish. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 195 minutes pairs pork shoulder, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 2 lbs pork shoulder and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pork shoulder and brown on all sides for about 4 minutes per side until golden crust forms.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork and reduce heat to medium. Add 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon, cooking for 2 minutes until alcohol evaporates.
  5. Step 5: Return pork shoulder to the pot and add 2 cups chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover Dutch oven with lid and transfer to oven; braise for 3 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes, then shred or slice pork as desired and spoon pan juices over before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Herbs?

Mediterranean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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